“This is the best time to be a journalist!”
Unemployment rates have hit a record-breaking low. Graduates are fighting over volunteer jobs. Getting a paid internship in journalism is as likely as winning the Euro millions jackpot.
These are just some of the statements and rumours surrounding the job market at the moment. So this evening when a panel of media industry experts told journalist students at City University London that there was hope after all… Well, it was a breath of fresh air to say the least.
“This is the most exciting time to be a journalist, although some people in the business wouldn’t agree with me,” said Karl Schneider, the editorial director of Reed business publications. “I wish I was starting my career again, the opportunities to match the profession are amazing.”
Not only did these inspirational speakers give students advice on how to stand out when applying for internship opportunities, they also revealed that the future of journalism was in their hands.
The best example of this was when Chris Wimpress, political editor of the Huffington Post rushed into the lecture room late. He apologised and explained that he was held up due to a meeting at the lobby.
Straight away his apology meant that he gained even more respect from everyone in the room. This man is one of only very few privileged journalists who own a free pass into crucial political meetings. So what was his opinion on this prestigious responsibility?
“I can’t wait for you to get rid of the lobby. I thought it would have been gone by now, but it’s still here. It’s up to you to get rid of it!”
It definitely was a comment that took most people by surprise. The fact that these speakers, who are at the top of their game are seeking help and progression from students. They all unanimously agreed that they wished they were in the position that journalist students are nowadays.
Other shock confessions of the evening was when chief reporter at The Sun John Kay admitted that a degree was not necessary for a career in journalism. But he did make the audience laugh at his informative anecdotes on door-to-door reporting.
- The lecture on how to get a foot in the door in the journalism industry was attended by over 100 students. The speakers included John Kay, Chris Wimpress, Karl Schneider, Gaz Corfield and Dominic Ponsford.
So, hopefully by putting together this post I will have better job prospects when I graduate in July 2012! Here’s hoping!
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Definitely insightful! You captured some great quotes!